The AI startup repurchased shares from employees and ex-staff ahead of a potential IPO, maintaining its valuation unchanged.
OpenAI has finalized a $7 billion share buyback, allowing employees and former staff to sell shares without involving external investors. The deal leaves the company’s valuation steady at $852 billion, matching its prior funding rounds.
The move follows a $6.6 billion tender offer in October at a $500 billion valuation and a $1.5 billion offer earlier in 2024. OpenAI confidentially filed for an IPO in June but has not disclosed a timeline, with reports suggesting a possible delay until 2027.
Internal discussions reportedly weigh a $1 trillion valuation target, though market conditions and investor sentiment remain key factors.